Dubois County farms recognized by state with Hoosier Homestead awards

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2025) – Dubois County farms were recently honored by the state with Hoosier Homestead awards, according to local lawmakers.

"The Hoosier Homestead Award reflects the endurance and commitment of families who have worked on the same farmland for over a century," said State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty). "These farmers embody the values of self-reliance and hard work that this state was built on."

Hoosier Homestead awards honor farms owned and operated by the same family for 100, 150 and 200 years with centennial, sesquicentennial or bicentennial awards.

"This award honors those who've helped shape Indiana's agriculture for generations," said State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) said. "It is a well-deserved recognition of hardworking Hoosiers who have owned and operated a family farm for a century or more."

The following farms received Hoosier Homestead awards:

• The Hochgesang Farm, in operation since 1905, received the centennial award;
• The Neukam Farm, in operation since 1913, received the centennial award; and
• The Verkamp Farm, in operation since 1871, received the centennial and sesquicentennial awards.

These farm families were among XX awardees recently honored during a ceremony at the Indiana State Fair.

"As a fifth-generation farmer, I know how much time and effort it takes to keep a family farm up and running," said State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper). "These families have worked hard from generation to generation and I congratulate them on earning this great honor."

Hoosier Homestead ceremonies are conducted every spring and summer. Since establishing the program in 1976, Indiana has recognized more than 6,000 farms for their economic and cultural impact to the state.

More information on the Hoosier Homestead Award Program and nomination forms are available at in.gov/isda. Nominations for the March 2026 ceremony are due by Nov. 1. Questions may be emailed to HoosierHomestead@ISDA.IN.gov.

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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74, which includes
all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.

State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.